Exploring Supply Chain Visibility for Circularity: A Delphi Approach

Abstract

Circular supply chains (CSCs) depend on enhanced supply chain visibility (SCV) to track and manage resource flows and thereby enable efficient decision-making. Despite confronting silo mentalities, fragmented information, technological barriers, resistance to change, and a lack of standardization, data sharing remains crucial for SCV and circularity. In this study, following the Delphi method, 22 experts explored SCV for circularity, identified 11 circular economy (CE) strategies and 16 critical data elements for implementing CSCs, and assessed data accessibility and the willingness to share data among supply chain actors. Findings show that the experts especially prioritized CE strategies and data elements that support existing business models and forward supply chains. Although those data elements are critical for SCV, they are primarily used for planning internal operations and thus not readily shared with external partners. Such insights contribute to empirical evidence and managerial perspectives and can also help managers to plan SCV tailored to CE strategies.